How this calculation works
Use a two-part weighted model: all non-final work and the final exam. Solve for the final score needed to meet the target. A negative algebraic requirement is floored at zero, while a requirement above 100% remains visible and is labeled unattainable under this model.
Required final = [target − current × (1 − final weight)] / final weightA worked example
A current non-final average of 70%, a 40% final weight and an 80% target require 95% on the final. A perfect final would produce an overall 82%.
Good to know
A fixed two-part percentage model. No grade bands, extra credit, dropped scores, caps, grading curves, rounding policy or pass requirements. Current average must summarize the non-final portion on its own normalized scale; final weight must be positive.
Normalize the non-final component before using its weight
The current average must describe the non-final work on its own 0–100% scale. It must not be an overall course score that already treats the missing final as zero. For a 40% final, the current average receives the remaining 60% course weight.
At a current non-final average of 70%, an 80% course target and 40% final weight, the non-final part contributes 70 × 0.6 = 42 percentage points. The final must contribute another 38 points. Since its weight is 0.4, the required final score is 38/0.4 = 95%.
The weighted average calculator can check a proposed final result by using the two components and their weights. This page reverses that question: it solves for the unknown final score, and also shows the overall course score available from a perfect final under the same assumptions.
Weighted average can check a proposed final score, while attendance target concerns a separate counting requirement.
A target may be already secured or outside the model’s range
A 100% final in the worked example gives 42 + 40 = 82% overall. A target of 85% would therefore require more than 100% on the final. That result remains visible and is labelled unattainable under the fixed model; it is not clipped to a plausible-looking 100%.
If the non-final contribution already reaches the target, the algebraic requirement can be negative. The minimum feasible final score is then shown as zero, while the raw result remains available. This assumes a zero final is permitted and there is no separate minimum-exam or participation requirement.
Dropped marks, extra credit, pass conditions, curves and grade-band rounding are not part of the two-component model. Attendance target solves a separate count-based threshold; meeting either arithmetic result does not establish the other institutional requirement.
A few questions, answered
What if the final is worth 100%?
The current average then has zero weight, so the required final equals the entered target.
Can the final weight be zero?
No. There is no final-score variable to solve for when its course weight is zero.
Will it apply a rounding or pass rule?
No. The percentages are used directly. Confirm any separate grading conditions independently.